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Sulphur Ciquefoil (Potentilla recta L.)

Perennial forb in the Rose Family. Light yellow (sulphur) flowers with 5 petals, 30-70cm tall on one to several stems growing from the rootstock. Leaves are alternate on the stem and palmately compound with 5-7 toothed leaflets on each leaf. Leaf stalks have perpendicular hairs. Roots are fibrous with lateral rhizomes. There are 27 species of Cinquefoil found in BC. Sulphur Cinquefoil has 1mm seeds that are distinct from the other Potentilla's in that they have a wrinkled appearance.

LRISS Category: CONTAIN

Habitat and Ecology

Sulphur Cinquefoil is found on a wide range of soils and climates but occur mainly on grasslands and dry forests in BC. It often occupies roadsides, pastures, overgrazed rangelands and disturbed areas.

Impacts

It is a highly competitive plant that can dominate a site and displace native and non-native forage species. It reproduces by seed and vegetatively by roots.

Management

Small patches can be managed by hand-digging and cultivation also manages infestations well. Several chemical herbicides have been used successfully to eradicate and manage Sulphur Cinquefoil. Check the Crop Production Guide developed by the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for information on herbicide treatment.

References

Province of British Columbia. 2002. Guide to Weeds in British Columbia.